The use of condoms has gone down, while oral contraceptives are gaining popularity among young women in the Capital, a survey has found.

According to the Delhi statistical handbook, oral pills have gained more popularity as effective contraception in the last three years. Condoms, though, continue to be the most preferred contraceptive among Delhiites, it says.

The survey shows demand for condoms declined from 1,23,77,000 in 2006-07 to to 94,76,000 in 2008-09. The demand for oral pills, meanwhile, rose from 1,19,549 in 2006-07 to 1,81,412 in 2008-09, figures state.

Officials said the data was collected from various government hospitals, health centres and chemist shops across the city.

Experts said the preference for oral pills over condoms is encouraging as long as women do not use emergency contraceptive pills instead of regular ones. "These figures confirm a growing awareness among women about the need for effective contraceptive measures. The trend is not disturbing as young adults need to know all options available - this will enable couples to choose the most suitable contraceptive," Director of Delhi Health Services S Bhattacharjee said.